Pentagon: Aid only for 'essential items'

Monday, 02 March 2009 12:29

The IDF can no longer use American foreign military aid to purchase "non-essential military items," The Jerusalem Post has learned.

According to defense officials, the Pentagon informed the Defense Ministry last month that the new instruction pertained to all countries receiving US foreign military financing (FMF), and not just Israel.

Officials said that according to the FMF regulations, the $3 billion that Israel receives was supposed to be used strictly for weaponry and defense-related projects. Over the years, however, the Pentagon made exceptions and allowed the IDF to purchase non-essential items such as covers for trucks, uniforms and even food for soldiers.